Pompey eased into the second round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup with a 4-0 victory at Abingdon Town.
They were made to work hard for the victory by their fifth tier opponents, but a Sophie Quirk brace gave them a comfortable lead at the break.
Nicole Barrett then struck in the second half before Annie Rolf came off the bench to wrap things up at the death.
Jay Sadler made five changes from the side that won at Crawley Wasps in the National League the previous week.
Ella Humphrey was handed a full debut, while there were also starts for Barrett, Izzy Collins, Tierney Scott and Mae Goulden.
There was a period of silence ahead of kick-off, with everyone inside the ground able to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday.
The visitors looked to attack right from the start, although some resolute defending from Abingdon was keeping them out.
But the deadlock was finally broken on 26 minutes, with QUIRK slotting home after Scott’s effort had been deflected into her path.
Further clear-cut opportunities were proving to be at a premium, though, despite the Blues dominating possession.
Quirk was trying her best to provide them with a cushion and a shot from the edge of the box drew a smart save.
And it was QUIRK who doubled the advantage just before the break, pouncing on a loose ball and rifling it into the bottom corner.
Half Time: Abingdon 0 Pompey 2
Pompey looked to make sure of their progress when the action restarted, but were being limited to half-chances by their hosts.
They were certainly being made to work hard by a Town outfit who were trying to use their physicality to unsettle the Blues.
The victory was secure on 70 minutes, though, and when Scott’s delivery led to a scramble in the box, BARRETT was eventually able to fire the ball home.
Sadler used his bench to freshen things up in the closing stages of the contest, knowing that the job was done.
The Blues were looking comfortable as they saw our proceedings, although there was still time for one more goal.
It arrived deep into stoppage-time, as substitute ROLF curled the ball into the net from the edge of the area.
Pompey: Haughton; Barrett, Collins, Rowe (c), Humphrey; Rowbotham (Rolf 66), Macdonald, Lane (Hill 76); Scott, Goulden, Quirk (Jones 82)
Subs not used: Quayle, Younger, Wild, Bell
Win, clean sheet and into the next round of the FA Cup. Credit @Abingdontownla1 for their resolute performance and hospitality 🤝 #Pompey pic.twitter.com/hqmjB3e9mZ
— Jay Sadler (@Sadler004) November 13, 2022